Schott Advanced Optics, the optics division of the international technology company, has launched an improved version of its LASF35 glass (nd = 2.02204; vd = 29.06). In doing so, Schott has optimised its line of glasses that feature high refractive indexes in extreme regions of the Abbe diagram.
LASF35 glass is particularly well suited to miniaturised lens systems, such as those used as ball lenses or micro prisms in medical technology for endoscopes, microscopes, and other micro lenses.
Schott uses a continuous melting process when manufacturing its glass and, therefore, achieves much higher internal transmission (63 per cent at 400nm for a thickness of 10mm; colour code: 45/37), particularly inside the blue wavelength region.
The new glass has been approved in accordance with the European Guideline 2002/95/EG (RoHS, Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment). Further work planned includes the introduction of an arsenic-free version called N-LASF35.
